Jeffrey Neering, who was convicted of attempted murder after slashing a man's throat on University Hill in 2011 in a case that's drawn protest from members of the Naropa University community, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Friday.

Boulder District Judge Andrew Macdonald had the option to sentence Neering, 28, to anywhere from 10 to 32 years for the attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault conviction, but said the courtroom full of Neering's supporters was one of the reasons he felt Neering had a chance to be rehabilitated.

"You clearly have support from your family, support from your community, and that is a significant factor to help you address your mental health and substance abuse issues," Macdonald said. "These are the people who are willing to be here and help you."

Neering, a Naropa student, was arrested in August 2011 after police and prosecutors say he jumped on Jason Patrick Chilson and slashed his throat after getting into an argument with Chilson and one of his friends earlier in the night.

Defense attorney David Moorhead said that while Neering did go to trial, he always had taken full responsibility for what he did. Moorhead even said Neering was very close to taking the stand to tell his side of the story before he talked his client out of it.

During the pre-sentence investigation, Neering admitted he used a piece of glass to cut Chilson's throat, and again admitted it in court Friday.

"I've actually been looking forward to this day, seeing Jason in the room, because it's important for me to say to him that I'm sorry," Neering said. "It was my actions that caused his injury and I can't take them back. I'm terribly sorry. I can't explain it away."

Wake-up call

Neering said this case has been a wake-up call for him, and that he knows he needs to address his bipolar disorder as well as his addiction to cocaine and alcohol.

"I know that now and I can move froward with that, instead of spinning my wheels," he said. "I need to change. I can't continue my life with drugs and alcohol. The costs are too great.

"I just absolutely need to do a 180 on my life."

The Naropa student said he plans to continue his education once he is released from prison.

"I intend to come back to Boulder, finish my degree, get a job and contribute to society," he said. "I feel like making a positive impact on Boulder is the only way I can maybe live down what I've done."

In a letter Deputy District Attorney Karen Lorenz read to the court, Chilson wrote that Neering needed to be punished for what he did, but, at the same time, said he has come to forgive him for what happened.

Rick Long, left, and Hank Romanowski lead a march from the United Methodist Church to the Boulder County Justice Center in support of Jeffrey Neering on Friday, Jan. 25, 2013. Neering is a former Naropa student convicted of attempted second-degree murder. (Mark Leffingwell / Daily Camera)

"It didn't hit me until I went to get the stitches removed how lucky I was this was an attempted-murder case and not a murder case," he wrote. "But being lucky isn't an excuse or a defense. I have forgiven Mr. Neering for his actions that night, but he needs to be held responsible."

Lorenz asked for a 21-year sentence, citing two previous assault cases as evidence Neering was a risk to re-offend.

"He has a history of assault, he is escalating and is a severe risk to re-offend and an ongoing risk to community safety," she said. "You do not cut someone's throat unless you are trying to kill them."

'This is all on you'

Ellen Holiday, a Naropa University student, marches from the United Methodist Church to the Boulder County Justice Center in support of Jeffrey Neering on Friday. Neering is a former Naropa student convicted of attempted murder who was sentenced Friday to 12 years in prison.
(
Mark Leffingwell
)

But several members of the large group of supporters who marched to the courtroom to show their support spoke out in support of Neering, including his father David.

"I'm not here to excuse poor behavior, but to round out the picture," he said. "There are redeeming qualities that can be brought forth, and I hope that the court system can help in restoring what can still be a productive life. Jeffrey is the last person I would expect to commit a violent crime.

"I don't say this because he is my son, I say this because it is the truth."

One speaker suggested the attempted-murder charge brought against Neering was overly aggressive, but Macdonald disagreed.

"The jury's verdict was supported amply by this case, and I would go further and say your own statements have shown that," Macdonald said.

As he was lead away, Neering thanked the crowd, and Macdonald reiterated that Neering needed to take all the support he has received and make sure he turns things around.

"You don't have any second chances," the judge said. "This is all on you. You are fortunate in many ways to have the support of so many people."

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